Does anyone know how to sign?
Is it hard to learn, and how long does it take to be able to communicate in sign language effectively?
I used to know
It wasnt difficult and I still know the very very basics, like hello how are u, good afternoon etc.
We had a teacher who insisted we learn.
It takes time though
I dont think its an easy medium of communication to learn. Everyone can say the basic things even if not properly learned the lang but to talk in it is gonna take some time.
BTW, why you wana learn it?
Shahreen :-)
I have a friend who'se sister communicates in sign language. Her whole family has learnt it too. I think it is learnable. I remember on PTV [Pakistan Television] they used to have programmes on it daily.
Basically you use your hands and I think you use different expressions of your face.
-irem
Kind of unrelated to the topic, but I used to read this book series about a woman who was deaf and used sign language. It was really interesting, would love to know how it came about and how it is taught. Are there books teaching it?
Shahreen,
Please check your PM. smile
Sarah,
Yes, there are books on it, you can find them in the library. You can teach yourself but its much better with an instructor, because signing phrases is difficult to learn from a book. Even some words are because of the motions that need to be made when signing. Personally speaking, learning from a video is easier, and from an instructor is the best. smile
Thanks for the responses.
Munni - I'll be getting back to you re your pm in due course.
Is the sign language universal? In other words, will the person using sign language communicate to a person who doesn't know English at all?
[QUOTE]
*Originally posted by ahmadjee: *
Is the sign language universal? In other words, will the person using sign language communicate to a person who doesn't know English at all?
[/QUOTE]
Sign language is not universal, differs in each country.
I don't know if they have this option where you live, but in the U.S. at any age you can enroll in a community college and take classes. I work at community college where there are two sign language instructors who are both deaf, their class learns so much information in the 18 week courses, because you practice so much with the instructors and students. I think it would be easier to opt for a class than learning from books.
Small children in day care centers in the US are taught the sign language. I met this 18 month old yesterday who knew about 15 signs. It makes communication a little easier as she has not yet learnt to talk. However, these are basic signs like asking for more or saying thank you.
u could try more code to :)
I'm just bumping this thread up again as I'd like people to recommend any particular videos or books that are better than others for self taught sign language.
Thanks.